Duhok Polytechnic University Structural Geology 1

Technical College of Petroleum and Mineral Sciences 2022 - 2023 Year 2

Department of Petroleum Geology Lab. No. 2

Structural Orientation Data

There are two ways of expressing the strikes of planes and the trends of lines:

A- Quadrant notation

The quadrant system uses a primary north (N) or south (S) reference, with a secondary direction (E or
W). In this method the compass is divided into four quadrants (90°), namely NE, SE, SW, and NW. The
bearing is read from North or South towards the East or West directions. It takes one end of the strike.
So, the dip direction has only two possible orientations.

B- Azimuthal notation

The word azimuth “meaning direction” refers to measures in a circular (0- 360°) and horizontal reference
relative to the North. In this method the compass is divided into 360 degrees. North is at 0° or 360°.
Angles are measured in degrees clockwise from North (0° – 360°). Therefore, East = 90°, South = 180° and
West = 270°.

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Strike and Dip Formats (Plane):

Strike ‘slash’ Dip angle + Dip direction Dip angle ‘slash’ Dip direction
Symbols Quadrant Azimuth
Quadrant notation Azimuth notation
notation notation

N 40° E / 36° SE 040° / 36° SE 36° / S 50° E 36° / 130°

N 35° W / 15° NE 325° / 15° NE 15° / N 55° E 15° / 055°

NE / 08° NW 045° / 08° NW 08° / NW 08° / 315°

N / 23° E 000° / 23° E 23° / E 23° / 090°

N 28° W / 44° SW 332° / 44° SW 44° / S 62° W 44° / 242°

W / 32° S 270° / 32° S 32° / S 32° / 180°

Note: Strike is always recorded as a 3-digit number (e.g., 005°) and dip as a 2-digit number (e.g., 08°).

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Right-hand rule (RHR)

If you record the strike you will also need the dip direction. The dip direction is always perpendicular to
the strike direction, and can be obtained by adding or subtracting 90° to the strike direction. In the RHR,
the dip direction is always oriented 90° to the right hand (clockwise) side of the strike line. The
advantage of this system is that no dip direction is necessary.

Strike ‘slash’ Dip angle

Symbols
Quadrant notation Azimuth notation

N 40° E / 36° 040° / 36°

N 35° W / 15° 325° / 15°

SW / 08° 225° / 08°

N / 23° 000° / 23°

S 28° E / 44° 152° / 44°

E / 32° 090° / 32°

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Trend and Plunge Formats (Line):

Angle of plunge ‘slash’ Trend

Description
Quadrant notation Azimuth notation

Line plunging 23° towards 130° 23° / S 50° E 23° / 130°

Notes: The plunge is always recorded as a 2-digit figure (e.g., 06°) and the trend as a 3-digit number (e.g.,
008°).

Line Rake (or Pitch) on a Plane:

Strike ‘slash’ Dip angle + Dip direction ‘comma’ Rake angle

and quadrant end of strike
Description
Quadrant notation Azimuth notation

Striation rakes 45° E on fault plane

striking on a bearing of 060°, and N 60° E / 38° SE , 45° E 060° / 38° SE , 45° E
dipping at 38° towards the SE

Ass. Prof. Dr. Jamal Doski